Helping the Welsh Rugby Union's Reach Programme Inform the Next Stage of Young People's Wellbeing and Development

Since 2014, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has been running a national Rugby, Education, Attainment, Cohesion and Health (REACH) programme to widen participation in rugby amongst young people and, through such participation, to enhance physical and social well-being. The WRU sought The Open University’s (OU’s) support, to evaluate the latest phase of the programme (Hub 2, 2017-2021). OU academics undertook a desk-top evaluation of Hub 2, using information provided by the WRU. The resulting evidence was used by the WRU in its formal review of Hub 2, and is also being used to consider the design and delivery of the next phase (Hub 3, 2022-2025).

Working with the OU has been fundamental to reviewing the effectiveness of the WRU’s Hub Programme; providing recommendations to improve the future model and detailed reports that reinforce the importance of a robust review process. Ultimately, the evidence provided has challenged us to refocus the core objectives of the Programme.

Chris Ower
WRU Participation & Retention Manager

Welsh Rugby Union’s Needs

The Welsh Rugby Union (Undeb Rygbi Cymru) is the governing body of rugby union in Wales. WRU wished to develop a more robust evidence-base to inform the design and delivery of the next phase of their national REACH programme (Hub 3) to help young people’s physical and social wellbeing buy participating in the sport of rugby.

The Solution

Dr Joanne Jordan and Paul Carlin, two members of the OU’s School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, undertook a desk-top evaluation of the 2017-21 REACH programme using several data-sets which included quantitative and qualitative feedback from a range of key stakeholders. Analysis yielded evidence on achievements and challenges and the factors and processes through which these have developed over time. A report summarising the findings influenced the future design and delivery of the Hub programme. The WRU is consulting with key stakeholders about the strategic direction and operation of Hub 3, due to run throughout 2022-2025 and the OU team has been asked to contribute to this consultative process.

Our collaboration with the WRU has been a highly enjoyable, interesting and productive experience. Of particular value was the iterative discussion of emerging evidence, maximising the practical value of the review, whilst ensuring rigorous interpretation at all stages. We look forward to continuing this work together.

Dr Joanne Jordan
Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies

Results and Benefits

The OU/WRU collaboration delivered important stand-alone evidence regarding the reach, appropriateness, acceptability and impact of Hub 2 which was used to inform the focus, design and delivery of Hub 3. More broadly, the collaboration established a working partnership between both partners which will be sustained over time. Of immediate relevance is the planned evaluation of the 2022-2025 Hub 3 which will be a fully comprehensive, funded evaluation, embedded in the running of Hub 3 throughout its lifetime. This current and planned activity provides opportunities for collaboration that will make a meaningful contribution to future knowledge exchange and impact.